Legal Services

Abstract

Unlike the goods and services considered so far in this book, legal services for poor people are often provided free or for a nominal sum So simply comparing what people pay with the services they get would almost inevitably lead to the conclusion that poor people get greater ‘value for money’ from the legal system than the better-off Legal services can however be regarded as services which ought to be equally available (and of equal standard) to all members of society. In this view consumer detriment arises out of the general inability of poorer people, despite help with costs, to get services as good as those gained by the better-off. The reasons why poorer consumers are at a disadvantage when going to law are discussed in this chapter, following a summary of the legal aid and advice schemes.